MIPTV CANNES: Keshet International (KI) has acquired Munich-based production company, Tresor TV Produktions GmbH (Tresor) as it expands its production footprint in Europe.
Founded in 1992, Tresor has become one of Germany’s most respected independent production companies, known for its flair in producing reality, factual entertainment and variety shows. Specialists in acquiring international IP rights for many years, Tresor has produced successful local versions of the popular formats Top Model, Popstars, Supernanny, Survivor, DIY SOS and most recently Ewige Helden (Eternal Glory), which has just aired its second season on Vox.
The acquisition will see KI develop a strategy to accelerate Tresor’s growth and support its next phase of expansion. Building on its track record as a trusted non-scripted producer, Tresor and KI will create a new scripted division, capitalising on KI’s rich scripted catalogue of programming including Prisoners of War and The A Word. Tresor will continue to adapt third party formats and develop original non-scripted IP.
The deal is the latest step in a stream of wider global expansion and content diversification for KI, following the recent announcement that it will move into kids’ content distribution with Ananay Communications Group. Earlier this year KI opened a Mexican subsidiary, Keshet MX, joining Hong Kong-based Keshet Asia, which opened in October 2015 and KI’s well-established LA and London operations, Keshet Studios and Keshet UK.
Tresor is spearheaded by Managing Director Axel Kühn who will continue in his role, reporting to KI Managing Director for UK and West Europe, Sammy Nourmand who brokered the deal for Keshet International. Axel will work closely with Nelly Feld, Head of Sales and Business Development for the region, to help grow the business in Germany. The present owner, Holger Roost Macias has opted to exit the production business to pursue new challenges.
Alon Shtruzman, CEO, Keshet International, said, “The acquisition of Tresor marks a new frontier for KI as we enter our next phase of global growth. We want to thank Holger Roost Macias for his leadership and legacy, which made Tresor such an attractive prospect for us.”
Sammy Nourmand added, “We take great care in choosing our partnerships and pride ourselves on working with the best local talent. Tresor is a testament to this. Germany is a significant market with great potential, and we look forward to working with Axel and the team to support the company’s expansion within the Group.”
Holger Roost Macias, President of Tresor said, “For a long time I have been looking to find the right groom for my “baby” and I am very pleased to hand over my company to one of the most creative and dynamic groups in the television world.”
Axel Kühn, Managing Director, Tresor said, “I am truly excited to be working alongside the highly creative and fast-growing group at Keshet International. With the help of their creative network, we believe we will be well prepared for the future in a changing TV market. The team at Tresor can’t wait to work closely with KI to expand our in house development and grow into new fields of business and new genres.”
